Britain’s best family attractions

Our best family days out

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England

From knights’ quests to tree-top adventures, high-speed rollercoasters to gruesome tales at the Tower of London: have a fun day out at one of Britain’s best family attractions. Choose between culture, heritage, or straight-up fun!

Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England

One of Britain’s best known theme parks, Alton Towers is home to a fantastic selection of death-defying rides. Venture into the dark forest of Thirteen, or whoosh along head-first on Air. Don’t worry if you prefer gentler fun, as there are plenty of slower rides too, not to mention a water park and even a spa for the adults. Be sure to explore Alton Towers itself, the partially ruined stately home that gives the park its name.

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester, England

Huge machines, steam-power, and science in action: the Museum of Science and Industry gives the inside story on how machinery has developed over the years. Learn about flight and space travel, the earliest telephone systems, the Industrial Revolution and the growth of Manchester as an industrial centre.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England

Alnwick Castle combines a stunning medieval castle with exciting activities for families, and it’s also rather famous among Harry Potter fans. Alnwick played the role of Hogwarts in the films, and you can learn all about its Hollywood career on the Battleaxe to Broomsticks Tour. You’ll also learn all about medieval life and try crafts on Knights Quest. And if all that’s given you an appetite, enjoy a picnic in the castle gardens.

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Scotland

Experience the past brought to life at the Riverside Museum, Glasgow’s museum of transport. Walk along a recreated 19th-century street, step inside shops and learn all about transport through the ages as you come face to face with the vehicles that changed city life. Historic trams, carriages, and cars are just some of the gleaming exhibits on display here.

Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire, England

Cheetahs, lions, tigers, giraffes: Whipsnade Zoo has a very exotic list of residents, and it’s a long list, because this is the UK’s biggest zoo. They have room here for some of nature’s most sizeable specimens, including elephants and rhinos, so it’s an excellent choice if you want to meet a lot of different creatures. Learn about conservation, watch the animals being fed, and get to know more about their habits in fun Q&A sessions.

Tower of London, England

Step inside London’s forbidding fortress, seat of power through some of the most turbulent centuries of British history. Many famous figures have been held within these walls, including some of Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives. Hear about the princes in the tower, meet the ravens that live here, and see the highest prize of all, the fabulous Crown Jewels.

Dr Who Experience, Cardiff, Wales

Cybermen, daleks, and the mysterious two-brained Ood: come face to face with your favourite Doctor Who characters as you leap through time at the Dr Who Experience. Embark on an interactive adventure, fly the Tardis and see some fantastic special effects before you see behind the scenes of one of Britain’s classic TV characters.